To Rent or Buy on Bohol and Panglao Island

Like anywhere in the world, there will always be a choice of renting or buying when you move to a new destination. The philippines is no different though the choices are not quite the same as you may be used to in the US or Europe. If you remeber only one thing from this page, it is to TAKE YOUR TIME when deciding where to live. The Philippines is a wonderful place in so many ways, but it is not even close to be what you are used to. The people, culture, weather, roads, insects, diseases, activities, health care and food is going to take a little getting used to. As many established expats are fond of saying, the land is littered with unfinished foreigner homes, don't become one of the statistics!

Buying a lot and building a home on Panglao is not an exercise for the weak of heart. Construction standards are practically non-existant and good contractors are almost an oxymoron. Nothing happens fast and mistakes are the norm. Just be prepared before jumping into building a home. First impressions can be very deceiving, always give yourself at least 6 months to get acclimated to the region, the people and it's culture before making any major expenditures. Who knows, you may decide to move to a different island such as Cebu that has far more amenities and services along with traffic and pollution.

Unfortunately, renting is not so simple either. Finding a place to live that meets most minimum European standards is not easy to find. Things like stoves and central AC are practically non-existent. Expect small refrigerators, no ice makers, almost no closets or storage space and maybe cabinets in the kitchen. Windows are ill fitting, have no screens, walls are cracked, water pressure is low. Hot water you ask? Strictly optional for most standard places. Only when you find places built specifically for foreigners, and ideally by foreigners, will you find the amenities you expect in even a basic European home or apartment. The nicer places to rent are typically near the ocean resorts and beaches, not in Tagbilaran City. This makes sense as the ocean and beaches are where most foreigners want to live anyway. Just be prepared to do some searching for a nice place. Of course you will also pay double what a locally acceptable apartment would run with maybe one window AC unit, the choice is yours. Living in the city is not where the nice restaurants and bars are either, so sticking to Panglao is a good idea, normally in the central to southern areas, though nothing is that far. On Pangalo, most of the activity is on the bottom section, around Aloona beach. It is a 25 minute drive to Tagbiliaran City from there which you will have to make to go shopping as there are no malls or supermarkets on the island as of yet.

You will likely want a fully furnished place, which just makes things even more difficult. Most "furnished homes" are equipped with furniture maybe found in a low end, by the week rentals in the US. Mattresses are a piece of 4" or 5" thick cheap foam, the walls will be blank, no dishes or silverware, maybe a lamp on a table, and a threadbare couch. There are many places with nicer furnishings, but rent quickly so expect to take some time to find them. Also expect to pay about 30% more a month for a furnished unit. Most furnished units are 1 and 2 bedrooms, especially on the Island. There are some larger homes for rent in Tagbilaran City that are furnished if you need something bigger.

The other issue in looking for a rental unit is the lack of any centralized apartment renting service or website. You have to keep scanning the local real estate sites, look on facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/989842814391169/) is one place, or talk to realtors. Just like looking for a lot, you may have to contact multiple people to find what you want since everyone has a few "exclusive" places up their sleeve. Word of mouth is also the way business is done so never be afraid to ask people. They are always happy to find you a place and get a little kickback from the owner.

When you do find a place to rent, expect different financial arrangements also. Typically here landlords collect 2 months rent up front for first and last, and 2 months security deposit. Not just a total of two months as more commonly found in the US. As anywhere, landlords can vary from amazing to scary so do a little homework if you can before signing anything.

Enjoy the real story of finding, buying land and building real estate on Bohol, Panglao and the Philippine Islands. We use real life experiences and knowledge to help you plan your next purchase or property sale. Buying /selling property and homes in the Philippines is very different than anything you have seen before, so be prepared with the help of this site and feel free to contact us if you have any questions. Buying land even on Panglao does not have to be difficult if you stay calm and use common sense.

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A few suggestions in looking for a new place to rent or buy in Bohol and Panglao.